A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Pfautz family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'or à un puits avec son appareil de gu. Cq. cour. C.: le puits de l'écu, entre un vol coupé alt. d'or et de gu.”
The Pfautz arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1765.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Germany in this period.
Reigning in Germany when the Pfautz arms are first recorded.
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
The Pfautz family name originates from the German-speaking regions of Central Europe, where it functioned as a descriptive surname during the late Middle Ages. Linguistic experts believe the name is derived from the Middle High German word *pfaut*, which was a regional term for a peacock. In the social structure of the time, such names were often given as nicknames to individuals who displayed a sense of pride or who wore colorful, eye-catching clothing. By the mid-18th century, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the Bavarian region. Life in Bavaria during this era was defined by a strong connection to the land and the local agricultural economy. As the population grew, many families began to move between villages to find better farmland or to pursue trades in the developing towns. This period of history was marked by significant social changes, and the Pfautz family was part of the broader movement of people who helped shape the cultural landscape of southern Germany before many of them eventually sought new opportunities abroad.
lionCourage, strength and royaltyJ. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“De gu. au lion d'arg., cour. d'or, tenant de sa patte dextre une chandelle allumée”
The Pfautz arms were recorded in Méran Tirol, c. 1772.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Reigning in Germany when the Pfautz arms are first recorded.
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
The Pfautz family name is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of the Tyrol region, which was a significant part of the Austrian Empire. By the late 18th century, records confirm that members of the family were established in the town of Meran. At that time, Meran served as a vital cultural and economic hub nestled in the Alpine valleys. The name itself likely evolved from older Germanic dialects, reflecting the linguistic shifts common in the borderlands between German and Italian speaking populations. Families in this area often held roles in local administration, agriculture, or trade, which allowed them to maintain a consistent presence in the region for generations. Living in such a strategic location meant that the Pfautz family was part of a complex social fabric shaped by the movement of people and goods across the mountain passes. Their presence in 1772 highlights a period of stability for the family before the major political upheavals that would eventually reshape the borders of Central Europe.
A large bird with a long tail known as a peacock.
